Choose The Best Spa For Your Family's Needs

Swimming pool builders know that when you're in the market to buy a hot tub, you have to make the decision on whether you want to have an above ground or an in ground model. Talk with a trusted swimming pool builder to discuss the pros and cons of each type structure so you can make an informed decision on the best type for your family.

Your budget for the construction will be top of mind when making your decision and you should have an idea of your budget in mind before you make an appointment to meet with a builder. In ground hot tubs can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000 depending on the accessories you want to incorporate. Keep in mind that in ground structures will need to have a site excavated and landscaped -- it will be more labor intensive and thus will have more of an upfront cost. In ground models cost around $30 per month in utility and care and maintenance costs. Above ground models run between $3,000 and $12,000 and will cost around $20 to $30 per month in operating costs.

Above ground structures generally require less maintenance than in ground ones. Check with your swimming pool builder about warranty information on parts and how they vary between manufacturers.

Once you've checked your budget and the warranty information, decide where you will want to place the structure. Do you have an existing deck next to the house where you can place it? Will you be looking to construct an outdoor grotto to house it? What area of the country do you live in? If you live in an area where you experience snow and frost, you may want to have the hot tub close so you can get to it easily in the winter. There is nothing better on a snowy evening than to slip into the soothing, bubbling water and watching the snow melt on the surface. Talk with your swimming pool builder about the utilities you will need for it - do you have a water source nearby? Will you need to run electricity for it?

Next, you will want to sit in and "sample" some hot tubs to get a feel for how they fit you. When you're in it make certain the seats are comfortable and check out the various types of jets you - whether it's above ground or in ground. You will need to decide whether you want therapeutic jets or simple jets. If it is going to have to fit people of disparate heights you will want seats that comfortably fit those individuals.

After you've made all of your other decisions, you're still not quite done. Talk with the swimming pool builder about the type of cover you should purchase. You will want a quality cover and bear in mind that if it is heavy, you will want to buy a cover lifter as well. The diligent use of a cover will keep your hot tub water safe from the elements and will also keep wildlife from falling into the water as they will be drawn to its warmth.

You will be amazed at the accessories you can purchase to liven up your hot tub - from retractable televisions to wine refrigerators to towel heating racks - your imagination and the depth of your wallet is the limit when looking into your purchase.